Darijo Srna snubs move to Chelsea

15 March 2011 11:08

Darijo Srna insists that leaving Shakhtar Donetsk for Chelsea would no longer be a step up in his career.

The Croatia right back has been tracked by the Barclays Premier League champions during uncertainty over the future of Jose Bosingwa at Stamford Bridge.

However, Shakhtar's march to the Champions League last eight has convinced Srna that his future lies in Ukraine and he has no fears about facing any English club when the quarter-final draw is made in Nyon on Friday.

'I think that besides Barcelona and Real Madrid, all the teams are of the same level,' said Srna of Shakhtar's potential opponents.

'We have a very strong team. Even (Barcelona coach) Pep Guardiola, after the game with Arsenal, said he did not want to take on Shakhtar.

'If I had not developed as a player here I would probably have left the team. But where should I go if I play in a team that two years ago won the UEFA Cup and every year play in the Champions League?

'There is a magnificent stadium, there are big ambitions. To date, Shakhtar are one of the best teams in Europe, so it makes no sense to go anywhere. 'Shakhtar gave me a lot in life and I will likely call time on my career at this club.'

The 28-year-old even had a dig at big-spending Manchester City in describing how Shakhtar draw strength from their dressing-room unity.

Smells like team spirit: Srna has lauded the atmosphere in the Shakhtar dressing room

'All the players are friends,' he said. 'I think if there is a good atmosphere in the team the results will also be good.

'One can take Manchester City as an example: if you look at the names of their players, they are one of the best teams in Europe. Players, bench, coach - everything is there - but they struggle to deliver the goods.

'I feel that there is not a good atmosphere at Man City. Shakhtar are like a family. We are together all the time.'

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